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Individualized music therapy (IMT) improves response rates in adults with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and primary insomnia compared to nonindividualized music therapy.

This protocol describes a multistage study evaluating individualized music therapy (IMT) versus nonindividualized music therapy in adults aged 18-60 with mild-to-moderate major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or primary insomnia. The primary outcome is response rate at 8 weeks, defined as ≥50% reduction in MADRS, HAMA, or PSQI scores. The study includes a pilot randomized clinical trial (n=300) comparing the two interventions.

Last updated: Jul 31, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Development and Evaluation of Individualized Music Therapy for Common Mental Disorders: Protocol for a Multistage Study.

observational

Xiao C, Wei J, Li T, Cao J, Li Q, Duan Y, Geng W, Zhu B, Liu B, Li Y · JMIR research protocols (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 8 weeks
Intervention: Individualized (receptive) music therapy (IMT) using an AI generation pipeline to create bespoke instrumental tracks based on weekly participant preferences for tempo, instrumentation, and emotional valence; daily 30-minute listening sessions for 8 weeks.
Outcome: Response rate at 8 weeks (≥50% reduction in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale [MADRS], Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale [HAMA], or Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI] scores) and changes in quantitative electroencephalography characteristics.
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Adults aged 18 to 60 years with mild-to-moderate major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or primary insomnia, along with healthy controls.

Result:

PubMed: 42520220DOI: 10.2196/90617

Mechanism Graph

AI generation pipeline creates bespoke instrumental tracks based on participant preferences
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Tracks are designed to regulate mood
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Neurophysiological monitoring via quantitative electroencephalography
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Result: Improved response rates and neurobiological changes

Limitations

  • ⚠The study is a protocol; results are not yet available, so efficacy is not confirmed.
  • ⚠The nonindividualized arm uses therapist-curated tracks, which may still have some individualization, potentially reducing contrast between arms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is individualized music therapy (IMT)?▼

IMT is an AI-enabled, neuroscience-guided intervention that generates bespoke instrumental tracks based on weekly participant preferences for tempo, instrumentation, and emotional valence, delivered via daily 30-minute listening sessions.

What mental disorders are being studied?▼

The study includes adults with mild-to-moderate major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and primary insomnia.

How is the response to treatment measured?▼

The primary outcome is the response rate at 8 weeks, defined as a ≥50% reduction in scores on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), or Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

When will the study results be available?▼

Recruitment started on May 24, 2024, and the study is expected to be completed by December 2027, with results disseminated via peer-reviewed publications thereafter.

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References

  1. 1.Xiao C, Wei J, Li T, Cao J, Li Q, Duan Y, Geng W, Zhu B, Liu B, Li Y. "Development and Evaluation of Individualized Music Therapy for Common Mental Disorders: Protocol for a Multistage Study.." JMIR research protocols, 2026. PMID: 42520220 DOI: 10.2196/90617
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.